Scanning the line of dirt-bike racers gearing up for the 65-cubic centimeter class of the Worth County Fair Supercross competition, a long blonde braid stands out amid the sea of black helmets and leather racing jackets. That braid is the only distinguishing trademark of 11-year-old racer Jordan Wright, the only girl in Thursday’s competition.

Sixty racers signed up for to race dirt bikes in 14 classes in front of a nearly packed grandstand. The best of four classes won cash while the rest of the classes received trophies. Racers in the pit bike competition were in it just for fun. Thursday’s was an American Motorcyclist Association nonsanctioned race, but AMA rules applied.

As Wright pulled up to the line with her fellow racers, her stepfather Chris Thofson whispered tips and words of encouragement in her ear.

The competition was already off to a rocky start for Wright. During the practice round, where racers could ride the track a few times to get the feel for the course, Wright wiped out twice on a series of short, quick bumps.

But her heart was in it and she was ready to race. Thofson said Wright wasn’t nervous before the race started and was eager to get out there.

She finished last in her class, but it was her very first race. Driving around the track she seemed timid going over the many hills and bumps, but she wasn’t intimidated by the six other boys racing against her.

Being the only girl in a male-dominated competition was “kind of weird” for Wright, she said, adding she doesn’t know many other girls that race dirt bikes.

Wright and Thofson were at the Supercross competition last year and saw a few girls in the competition, they said.

Supercross organizer Heather Rheingans said more women are becoming interested in dirt-bike racing, and more professional women’s competitions are popping up.

Wright wanted to try the race last year but was held up because she didn’t have sufficient safety gear.

It was Wright who expressed interest in competition in the Supercross competition this year.

“I wanted to see what it would be like,” she said.

She first got into dirt-bike riding three years ago, Wright said, when she got her first bike. Her older brother had been riding for a few years and Wright saw how much fun he had so she wanted to join in, Thofson said.

“It gives me something to do when I’m bored,” she said.

The Thofsons live on a farm just a short distance from the Worth County Fairgrounds in Northwood. Thofson said Wright rides around their acreage a couple times a week.

He said Wright usually rides better at home, and the pair were even out Sunday night just after the track was built to try it out. Wright was simply nervous for her first-ever competition, her stepfather said.

Thofson said he doesn’t think there is any difference between male and female dirt-bike riders.

“Practice, that’s all you’ve got to do is practice,” he said.

While Wright wasn’t too sure after the race whether she would continue to compete, both her stepfather and mother, Heather Thofson, said they’re sure she will be at it again.

“I’m proud of her for trying and not being scared, for going through with it,” Chris Thofson said.

Thursday’s competition had one of the best turnouts in the history of the Worth County Fair competition, according to Rheingans.

Worth County Fair events

– Friday

8 a.m.: Junior swine show, Arena

11:30 a.m.: 4-H Butterfly pork chop lunch, Arena

1:30-2:30 and 3:30-4:30 p.m.: 4-H working exhibits

6:30 p.m.: Tractor pull, Grandstand

– Saturday

8 a.m.: Junior beef show, Arena

noon: Free lunch, Shelter House

1:30 p.m.: Bucket/bottle calf show

2:30 p.m.: Dairy show, Arena

4 p.m.: Top of Iowa Classic open lamb show

5:30 p.m.: 4-H style show/fashion review and special 4-H awards, Shelter House (State Fair pictures following)

6:15 p.m.: 4-H pig roast

7 p.m.: Amazing Arther 

8 p.m.: Bill Dewey, Grandstand

– Sunday

10 a.m.: Church services, Shelter House

11:30 a.m.: Baby contest, Shelter House

noon: Lamb show, Arena

afternoon: Aristocrat Car Club display

5:30 p.m.: Demolition Derby, Grandstand

6 p.m.: Beef barbecue

9 p.m.-midnight: Teen dance